Warriors vs Kings Game 2 Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks

WSN

17 April 2023

Warriors vs Kings Game 2 Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks

What Happened in the Last Game?

The Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings faced off in a high-scoring affair to open their NBA Playoffs First Round series. The Kings defeated the Warriors 123-126, earning their first playoff victory in 17 years. On the other hand, it was Golden State's first Game 1 loss since the NBA Finals in 2022.

Game 1 was a high-scoring affair that saw the Warriors and Kings shoot 47.8% and 44.9% from the field, respectively. The Kings found victory through their paint dominance, outscoring the Warriors 44-60 at the rim. Golden State moved the ball sharply as usual, resulting in 31 assists compared to Sacramento's 18.

Sacramento's paint dominance was the critical factor in their victory, especially their ability on the glass, which saw them win the rebounding battle 50 to 41. Five Kings players collected five or more rebounds than the Warriors' four. It was a closely-contested affair, and a late push from the Kings was enough to secure them the victory.

Key Stats From the Last Game

The bench units were vital in this game, with the Warriors and Kings reserves scoring 50 and 55 points, respectively. Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors' bench with 17 points each, while Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings posted 32 points off the bench. Sacramento's reserves shot 65.3% from the field, while the Warriors bench shot just 46.1% from the field.

Sacramento's star pairing of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis didn't disappoint in their first playoff action for the Kings. The pair combined for 50 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 18 of 44 from the field. However, Sabonis could've been more efficient, shooting just 29.4% on the night.

Stephen Curry again led the Golden State Warriors on the offensive end through his tremendous shooting. He posted 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on 55.0% shooting from the field and 42.9% from three on six made three-pointers. If there's anywhere he can improve for Game 2 it's in his ball security, as he committed 5 turnovers last time.

Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings Game Preview

On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings face off for Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs First Round.

With the series 1-0 in favor of the Kings, the Warriors are desperate for a win, or they'll return to San Francisco in a 0-2 hole for their matches on their home court. Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, will be the stage for Game 2 of this Western Conference First Round Game 2.

How Do the Warriors Win?

Golden State ATS Record: 39-43-1

The Golden State Warriors need to buckle down on the defensive end, even though they have a poor track record of doing so on the road this season. Their offense was as potent as usual in Game 1, but they can't afford to trade baskets in Game 2.

Despite hitting 16 threes, the Warriors gave up their advantage on the defensive end. On the season, the Warriors allowed the Kings just 114.3 points per game on 44.5% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range. However, in Game 1 the Kings put up 126 points on 44.9% from the field and 37.5% from three.

The Warriors' chances at winning start with controlling the Kings' offense and limiting their ability to finish in the paint. After allowing 60 points in the color in Game 1, the Warriors must buckle down and force Sacramento to the perimeter. If they continue to let easy baskets inside, the undersized Warriors don't have a chance at victory.

How Do the Kings Win?

Sacramento ATS Record: 46-36-1

With opening-game jitters gone, Sacramento must compete with a re-focused and motivated veteran Golden State Warriors team. The Sacramento Kings used their youthful energy and a fantastic home-court advantage to earn their first NBA Playoffs victory in 17 years. Behind the production of guards De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, the Kings overcame the Warriors in an offense-first matchup.

The Warriors kept the Kings' offense in check during the season, but there was no stopping them in Game 1. Despite going down by as many as 10 points in Game 1, the Kings scored 126 points on 44.9% from the field. A significant factor in their success was their dominance on the glass, precisely their willingness to get on the offensive glass - outrebounding the Warriors 17 to 9.

Game 2 will be even more difficult for the young Kings. The Golden State Warriors have not lost back-to-back playoff games since the 2019 NBA Finals, so Sacramento must be on their guard. Despite success with their offense, the Kings will want to spread out their play, as they collected just 18 assists on 44 made field goals.